A dialogue about Leadership, Motivation, Web Community formation, and all things Entrepreneurial!

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Keeping an Open Mind

Ever find yourself challenged to look at things a different way? Ever encounter folks who refuse to see the world through anything but their own frame of reference? Are you one of those folks?

I can honestly tell you that since leaving the role of Plant Manager and Chief Cook and Bottle Washer for many organizations throughout the last twenty years, I have come to realize that there is a lot I do not know. Don't get me wrong...I have learned many things over the years and am a pretty astute fellow, but there is still much I do not know.

When cast in the light of consulting, I have learned an incredibly valuable lesson: Keeping an open mind and asking questions will allow me to learn and become more. More knowledgeable...more involved....more valuable as a consultant and Project Manager....just a lot MORE.

In his book, Four-Hour Work Week, Tim Ferriss talks of figuring out what you want to "become." It is a very thought provoking approach to thinking about the future and what you want to do. Life should be about more than "having." Real meaning in life should relate to "becoming" more than you are right now...becoming all that you can envision yourself being.

I believe that in order to "become" more, I must keep an open mind. This is not easy to do, especially when you know the answer...have the solution...have seen this before and know how to solve it. If you listen a little closer, you will often understand that no two situations are exactly the same and what might have worked well in one place will not work as well...or at all...in this place, with these people, at this time in their development.

I am learning everyday from those I am teaching to become more. In this way, I can see we create synergy...the whole being greater than just the sum of the parts. I doesn't happen overnight...or even over 32 weeks of nights (grins!)...but it does happen. And when it does, it can change lives...yours and the lives of those important to you.

So try to keep an open mind and see what starts to fill it up! I believe you will like what enters in.

Autumn is here!
-
Fall is my favorite time of year! I love the cooler weather, sweaters,
football, wood fires...pretty much everything. This week I am busy with 2
of the an...

5 months ago

Sociable

Hail Alma Mater Dear....

Battle Monument on Trophy Point at the United States Military Academy at West Point

Disclaimer

This website is privately owned and operated. The contents of this site, including words, images, and opinions, are unofficial and not to be considered as the official views of the United States Military Academy, United States Army, or Department of Defense. This site is not endorsed by the United States Military Academy, United States Army, or Department of Defense. Users accept and agree to this disclaimer in the use of any information obtained from this website